American Consensus

A Platform We Can All Live With

________________________________________________________________________Term LimitsSee Also: LobbyingIssue: The American people no longer trust their government. A healthy distrust is to be expected, but the situation has deteriorated to the point where most Americans believe (rightfully so) that government is doing more harm than good because special interests have enacted policies that actually harm the electorate.Arguments For: The lack of term limits for government officials fosters an environment of corruption whereby elected officials have a built-in incentive to act in their own political self-interest as opposed to acting as a true public servantArguments Against: The electorate already enforces term limits during the voting process

Discussion Point: Suppose Term limits were enacted.

Term Limits Are UnnecessaryBeing re-elected rewards “Good” politicians. “Bad” politicians are not re-elected. It’s that simple. If we don’t reward the good ones, they will have no incentive to continue their good work. Introducing a New Concept: True Public ServantsThe entire notion of a “career politician” is contrary to the very notion of a public servant. The current system has no “good” politicians – their popularity is in the low teens or even single digits. Since politicians regularly take what amounts to bribes from special interests to support their next election campaign, they become beholden to these interests no matter how “good” they are. Even those with the best intentions cannot overcome the massive tsunami of temptation. Once they leave office, most go to work for lobbying firms for $500,000 a year. Over time, even the best of us fall to some form of corruption – its human nature. If term limits were enacted, this incentive would be mitigated. Rather than relying on a stranger’s character, codify the process so as not to allow for inevitable disappointment. Further, public resources could be preserved that now go toward campaigning during a term (more real work would get done).

It’s the Corruption, Stupid!!!!Although in-office bribery is still possible and politicians can still become lobbyists, the opportunity for undue influence continuing on for years with the same individuals has been eliminated. Wouldn't it be better to rely on a fair and repeatable uncorrupt process instead of an occasional "savior" candidate?

Proposal: Enact Term limits whereby a candidate can run for only one term of 6 years.Why this is a reasonable compromise: This proposal levels the playing field by cutting to the very core of most of the political “stalemate” witnessed over the last several decades in American politics. Instead of voting for people, we would vote for issues.